SDR Group Research Articles

In vitro analysis of flowable and high viscosity bulk fill composite versus conventional composite in core build up of endodontically treated teeth

This study aimed to test the load to fracture of flowable and high viscosity bulk-fill composites compared to a convetional (packable) composite used to build up pulpless teeth. 45 endodontically treated premolars were restored with fiber posts then divided into three groups (N = 15) according to the core build-up material. SDR group: (Smart Dentine Replacement), (BF): Filtek One Bulk Fill and (CC) Filtek Z350 packable composite. After core build up the teeth received full coverage crowns. Load to fracture (Newton) was recorded for each specimen. One-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons test were used. The highest load at fracture was shown by (CC) group (1067 N), followed by (BF) group (879 N), and the SDR group (838 N). One way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons test demonstrated no significant differences between CC, SDR, and BF groups (p > 0.05). The three materials showed comparable load to fracture. Further studies with simulation to occlusal forces and oral temperature are required.

The medium-term effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy on gait compared to a matched cerebral palsy non-SDR group: A follow-up study

BackgroundSelective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been shown to improve gait in the short-term in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Further study is needed to look at the trajectory of outcomes over the longer-term. Research questionWhat are the medium-term effects of SDR on gait compared to a matched CP non-SDR group? MethodsParticipants underwent SDR at mean age 6.3 years and completed baseline, 1-year and 5-year follow-up gait analyses. Non-SDR participants were matched at baseline. Differences were assessed within and between groups. Kinematic variables were analysed using Statistical non-Parametric Mapping (SnPM). Other gait and clinical data were analysed using Friedman’s one-way repeated measure analysis of variance and a Mann-Whitney U-test. ResultsThe initial SDR group consisted of 29 participants, reducing to 22 at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 15 (68 %) had orthopaedic surgeries either concurrent with or in the intervening period since the SDR, mean 3.3 procedures per participant. The initial non- SDR group had 18 participants, reducing to 17 at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 13 (76 %) had orthopaedic surgeries, mean 5.7 procedures. At 1-year follow-up the SDR group had significantly improved knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, foot progression, Gait Deviation Index, and normalised step length compared to baseline, p < 0.05, and outcomes were maintained at 5-years. At 1-year follow-up the non-SDR group kinematic patterns were unchanged, but at 5-year follow-up this group demonstrated significantly improved knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion and foot progression. There were no significant kinematic differences between the SDR and the non-SDR group at medium-term follow-up. SignificanceWe have documented the trajectory of gait outcomes post-SDR over 3 assessments and found that short-term gait changes endured in the medium-term. However, kinematic changes were similar to a non-SDR group undergoing routine and orthopaedic care. These outcomes are important to guide surgical decision making and to manage treatment goals and expectations.

Fracture Resistance and Microleakage around Direct Restorations in High C-Factor Cavities.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the mechanical impact of different direct restorations in terms of fracture resistance, and subsequent fracture pattern, in occlusal high C-factor cavities. Furthermore, the adaptation of different direct restorations in the form of gap formation was also evaluated. Seventy-two intact mandibular molars were collected and randomly distributed into three groups (n = 24). Class I occlusal cavities with standardized dimensions were prepared in all specimens. After adhesive treatment, the cavities were restored with direct restorations utilizing three different materials. Group 1: layered conventional packable resin composite (Filtek Ultimate), Group 2: bulk-fill resin composite (SDR), Group 3: bulk-fill short fibre-reinforced composite (SFRC; everX Posterior) covered with packable composite occlusally. Half of the restored specimens underwent static load-to fracture testing (n = 12/group), while the rest underwent sectioning and staining for microleakage evaluation and gap formation analysis. Fracture patterns were evaluated visually among the mechanically tested specimens. The layered composite restoration (Group 1) showed significantly lower fracture resistance compared to the bulk fill groups (Group 2, p = 0.005, Group 3, p = 0.008), while there was no difference in fracture resistance between the other groups. In terms of gap formation values, the layered composite restoration (Group 1) produced significantly higher gap formation compared to the bulk-fill groups (Group 2, p = 0.000, Group 3, p = 0.000). Regarding the fracture pattern, SFRC (Group 3) produced the highest number, while SDR (Group 2) produced the lowest number of repairable fractures. The use of bulk-fill resin composite (fibre or non-fibre-reinforced) for occlusal direct restorations in high C-factor cavities showed promising achievements regarding both fracture resistance and microleakage. Furthermore, the use of short fibre-reinforced bulk-fill composite can also improve the fracture pattern of the restoration-tooth unit. Bulk-fill materials provide a simple and effective solution for restoring and reinforcing high C-factor occlusal cavities.

Influence of a budget single-peak light-curing unit on the microhardness and bond strength of bulk-fill resin composites to the gingival floor of proximal class II cavity preparations

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Vickers microhardness (VH) and long-term microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) at the bottom of the proximal boxes of Class II restorations when photo-cured using two different light-curing units (LCUs). MethodsMesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities were prepared in 99 third molars (n = 7 per group) and restored with Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill (TNC, Ivoclar), Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow (FBF, 3 M ESPE), or SDR flow+ (SDR, Dentsply Sirona). The RBCs were photo-cured with a dual-peak (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar) or a single-peak budget LCU (Rainbow Curing Light, SML). The energy delivered by the lights were similar. The amount of light transmitted (% of maximum transmission) through the RBCs and the light beam profile through the restored teeth were recorded (n = 5). VH values were measured at the periphery of the RBC in the proximal box. After 24-h storage in water or after additional thermocycling, the teeth were sectioned to make 1 mm2 sticks. The μTBS of bulk-fill RBCs to the dentin on the gingival floor of the proximal boxes was then measured. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and 2-way ANOVA were used to analyze the VH and μTBS data, respectively, and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (α = 5%). No comparisons were made among RBCs. ResultsWhen the bonding agent was photo-cured with the budget light, all the specimens failed. Therefore, the Bluephase 20i photo-cured all the bonding resins and the budget light was only used to photo-cure the RBCs. The Bluephase 20i delivered a more homogeneous and wider light distribution through the restored teeth, higher VH values for TNC and SDR groups (p < 0.05), and higher μTBS in the TNC group (p < 0.05) than those produced by the single-peak budget LCU. The μTBS values to the dentin at the gingival floor of the proximal boxes decreased after thermocycling in the SDR group (p < 0.05). ConclusionWhen the bonding agent was photo-cured with the budget light, all the specimens failed. Photo-curing the RBC with a single-peak, budget LCU compared to the Bluephase 20i reduced the VH and μTBS values of bulk-fill RBCs to the gingival floor.

COMPARISON OF THE MICROHARDNESS OF BULK FILL COMPOSITES

The aim of this study is to compare the microhardness of five different bulk fill composites (SDR, TEC, XTF, SF, FBF). A total of 25 cylindrical molds were prepared. Composite resin was placed in each mold in sequence, at one time, by condensing it thoroughly. Then, the polymerization of the composites was achieved with the LED light device which was applied for 20 seconds. Microhardness measurements of the samples were made with the classical Vicker's test. The data of our study were evaluated by using the Kruskal Wallis H test with the SPSS 20.0 package program. When the measured surface microhardness values were compared between the groups; microhardness values SDR and FBF groups were found to be significantly lower than TEC, XTF and KSF groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). When the sub-surface microhardness values were compared between the groups; the microhardness value of the SDR group was found to be significantly higher than the FBF group, and significantly lower than the TEC, XTF and KSF groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). When both the lower and upper surface microhardness values were compared between the groups, XTF was found to be the bulk fill composite group with the best microhardness.

Microleakage of Flowable Composite as Class I Restorative Materials

Aims: Evaluate the ability of different a bulk-fill flowable composite sealing around class I cavities compared to conventional composite. Materials and Method: Forty upper premolar teeth prepared with an ideal class I, then distributed according to types of composite resin into four groups (n=10): group I= filling with SDR, group II= filling with Sarmco flowable composite resin, group III= filling with Tg flowable composite resin, finally group IV= filling with Valux plus composite resin (as a control) polymerized by LED light cure unit, varnished and placed in 2% methylene blue then sectioned bucco-palatally. The Micro-leakage was determined by stereomicroscope. Results: There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean micro-leakage values between SDR (group I) and Saremco (group II) while there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in micro-leakage values between SDR (group I) and Tg (group III) and Valux plus (group IV). Conclusion: SDR can be applied in 4 mm as a lone layer without negative effect on micro-leakage.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MARGINAL SEALING ABILITY OF POSTERIOR PACKABLE COMPOSITE WITH OR WITHOUT LINERS USING DYE PENETRATION METHOD- AN INVITRO STUDY.

Condensable” or “packable” composites (Surel) were introduced as an alternative to dental amalgam. However, concerns have been raised related to the ability of these stiffer materials to adequately adapt to internal surfaces. To offset this problem, low viscosity owable liners walls are recommended under packable composites. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of SDR and Ketac N100 liners on marginal sealing ability of High Density Surel posterior packable composite. Methodology: Sixty permanent extracted molars were mounted in a modelling wax and box only Class II cavities were prepared on the mesial side with gingival seat 1mm above CEJ. Teeth were divided into 3 groups: Group (i) Surel with SDR; Group (ii) Surel with Ketac N 100; and Group (iii) Surel without liner. After restoration, the teeth were immersed in Methylene blue dye, sectioned mesiodistally and then evaluated for leakage under Stereomicroscope. Results: None of the groups were free of microleakage. Surel without liner (1.2±0.696) exhibited maximum microleakage followed by Ketac N100 group (0.9±0.718) and SDR group (0.8±0.523) showed least microleakage. Conclusion: Posterior packable composites should be lined by a resin based liner at the gingival margin to allow better seal

Characteristics of behavioral symptoms in right-sided predominant semantic dementia and their impact on caregiver burden: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to clarify the neuropsychiatric symptoms of right-sided predominant semantic dementia (SD-R) by comparing them with those of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), left-sided predominant SD (SD-L), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study also aimed to identify clinical factors related to caregiver burden for bvFTD, SD-R, and SD-L.MethodsThe neuropsychiatric symptoms of 28 patients with bvFTD, 14 patients with SD-R, 24 patients with SD-L, and 43 patients with AD were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (SRI). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Dementia severity was assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Lawton Instrument Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale and the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale. We compared the NPI and SRI scores among the four groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. In addition, clinical factors related to caregiver burden, represented by the Japanese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (J-ZBI), were analyzed using multiple regression analysis in the bvFTD, SD-R, and SD-L groups.ResultsThe NPI total score and the NPI subscale scores of apathy and disinhibition were significantly higher in the bvFTD group than in the SD-L and AD groups. The SD-R group scores were closer to those of the bvFTD group than the SD-L group. The SRI total score and SRI subscale scores for eating and cooking and speaking were significantly higher in the bvFTD, SD-R, and SD-L groups than in the AD group. The NPI total score was significantly associated with the J-ZBI score in the bvFTD group. The NPI total score and Lawton IADL scale score were independently associated with the J-ZBI score in the SD-R group. Furthermore, the NPI total score and MMSE score were independently associated with the J-ZBI score in the SD-L group.ConclusionsSD-R seemed to be a similar condition to bvFTD rather than SD-L regarding behavioral symptoms. Our results suggest that each frontotemporal dementia subgroup requires different approaches to reduce the caregiver burden.

Expressions and clinical significances of miR-15 and miR-29a in serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy

Objective To analyze the expression levels of miR-15 and miR-29a in serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and their diagnostic values for DR. Methods 155 patients (155 eyes) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were treated in our hospital from June 2016 to August 2018, according to the occurrence of retinopathy and the degree of retinopathy, the patients were divided into five groups: 50 cases of non-retinopathy group (NDR group), 56 cases of simple retinopathy group (SDR group), 49 cases of proliferative retinopathy group (PDR group) and another 50 healthy persons in the same period were selected as the control group. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting blood glucose (FPG) were measured. Levels of serum miR-15 and miR-29a were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Pearson correlation method was used to analyze the relationships between levels of serum miR-15 and miR-29a with clinical indicators in DR patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic values of miR-15 and miR-29a in DR. Results The relative expression of miR-15 in serum of NDR group, SDR group, and PDR group were lower than that of control group (P<0.05), and the relative expression of miR-15 in NDR group, SDR group, and PDR group decreased gradually (P<0.05); the relative expression of miR-29a in serum of NDR group, SDR group, and PDR group were higher than that of control group (P<0.05), and the mRNA relative expression of miR-29a in NDR group, SDR group, and PDR group increased gradually (P<0.05); the expression of serum miR-15 in DR patients was negatively correlated with urinary albumin/creatinine (UACR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the course of DM (r=-0.732, -0.492, -0.589, P<0.05); the expression level of miR-29a was positively correlated with UACR, HbA1c and the course of DM (r=0.744, 0.508, 0.556, P<0.05); the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of miR-15 and miR-29a for DR diagnosis were 0.796 (95% CI: 0.724-0.857) and 0.677 (95% CI: 0.597-0.749), with diagnostic thresholds 0.63 and 1.11, sensitivities 84.9% and 53.8%, specificities 65.3% and 79.6%, repectively; miR-29a was a risk factor for DR, while miR-15 was a protective factor for DR. Conclusions The expression of mir-15 and miR-29a in the serum of DR patients is decreased, which is related to the degree of retinopathy and can be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of DR. Key words: Diabetic retinopathy; miR-15; miR-29a; Early diagnosis

Switch to checkpoint inhibition after targeted therapy at time of progression or during ongoing response: A retrospective single-centre experience in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma.

BRAF+MEK inhibition is preferentially applied as first-line therapy in BRAF V600-mutated melanoma patients with unfavourable prognostic features, due to the ability of targeted therapy (TT) to induce rapid symptom control, decrease tumour burden and normalize lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. In addition, short-term TT transiently increases tumour antigen presentation and tumour influx of T cells. Therefore, it might be favourable to switch TT to checkpoint inhibition (CPI) before progression (PD). We retrospectively analysed melanoma patients treated first line with TT (TT1) and who subsequently switched to CPI during response to TT (sDR group) or at progression upon TT (sPD group). We identified 74 patients (n=37 sDR group and n=37 sPD group). ORR to CPI was 27.0% in the sDR group versus 24.3% in the sPD group (p=.790). Median was PFS 2.5months versus 1.2months (p=.145), and median OS was 30.6 versus 14.1months (p=.007). After adjusting for baseline differences and known prognostic factors, hazard ratios (HRs) favouring sDR were 0.89 for PFS upon CPI (p=.956) and 0.48 for OS (p=.055). Thus, patients switching to CPI during ongoing clinical benefit from TT do not have an inferior outcome. Due to baseline imbalances and small patient population, a favourable trend for the sDR group can be hypothesized only.

Comparison of different base materials on fracture strength of mesio-occlusal-distal composite restorations

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different base materials on fracture strength of mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) composite restorations. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight extracted, intact maxillary molar teeth with standardized, deep MOD cavities were randomly assigned into four groups according to the base material placed: Control group (CO); no base material, SDR group; bulk-fill flowable composite, CGIC group; chemically curing glass ionomer cement (GIC), and RGIC group; light curing resin reinforced GIC. All the specimens were then restored with a nanocomposite (CeramX Duo/Dentsply) in combination with etch and rinse adhesive following the manufacturer’s instructions. After aging fracture, strength of the specimens was tested by the application of a ramped oblique load to the buccal cusp in a universal testing machine. Mean fracture strength values for each group were calculated and compared using one-way ANOVA (P = 0.05). Fracture patterns of the specimens were also evaluated. Results: The mean loads necessary to fracture the samples were as follows: control: 819.22 ± 253.65; SDR: 694.46 ± 266. 55; CGIC: 559.15 ± 277.34; RGIC 861.87 ± 277.28: N. The control and RGIC groups showed significantly higher fracture strength than CGIC and SDR groups (P &lt; 0.05). Although the mean fracture strength value of SDR group was higher than that of CGIC group, the difference between these groups was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Most frequently observed fracture patterns were adhesive (58.3%) in CO, cohesive (50%) in SDR group, cohesive (83.3%) in CGIC group, and mixed (41.7%) in RGIC group. Conclusions: Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement as a base material or restoration of the tooth only with composite resin resulted in higher fracture strength than composite resin restoration with a conventional glass ionomer base or a flowable bulk-fill material. Fracture pattern distributions diversed according to the base material placed under composite restoration.

Surface changes of various bulk-fill resin-based composites after exposure to different food-simulating liquid and beverages.

To evaluate surface roughness, hardness, and morphology changes of various bulk-fill resin composites eroded by different food-simulating liquids and beverages. One hundred and thirteen specimens were fabricated in polytetrafluoroethylene cylindrical mold (10 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness). Before immersion, baseline data of roughness, Vicker's microhardness were recorded and surface characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each product of specimens (SDR, Dentsply; SonicFill, Kerr; Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent AG; and Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) were divided into 5 groups for spicy and sour soup, spicy soup (Tom Yum), pineapple juice, passionfruit juice, and deionized water (served as a control). Specimens were then alternately immersed in storage agents for 5 seconds and artificial saliva for 5 seconds over 10 cycles. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 22 hours. This process was repeated for 28 days. After immersion, surface hardness and roughness of specimens were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and data were analyzed by two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). Surface morphology of specimens was also examined on day 28. The SDR group had the most statistically significant decrement in hardness (25.65±1.74 kg/mm2 in mean difference) and increment in roughness (0.26±0.10 μm in mean difference; P < .05). Passionfruit juice caused the most surface changes in bulk-fill resin composites. SEM photomicrographs showed surface changes of all resin composites in varying degrees. Acidic food-simulating liquids and beverages significantly increased the surface roughness and decreased surface microhardness of bulk-fill resin composites after evaluation at the end of the 28-day immersion period. For restoration of the affected teeth in patients who consume acidic food and beverages, roughness and erosion of resin composites should be considered. All of bulk-fill resin-based composites except SDR may be suitable for restorations in these patients.

Abstract 4113: Restricted ketogenic diet reduces growth and distant organ metastasis in the murine VM-M3 metastatic tumor model

Abstract Metastasis involves the spread of tumor cells throughout the body and is one of the leading causes of cancer death. Most current drug therapies for metastatic cancer are toxic and only marginally effective in providing long-term management. Respiratory insufficiency with compensatory aerobic fermentation (Warburg effect) is the hallmark biochemical phenotype of nearly all neoplastic cells within tumors. Most tumor cells are incapable of utilizing ketone bodies for energy due to their respiratory insufficiency. Calorie restriction, which lowers blood glucose and elevates ketone bodies, is known to reduce tumor growth. We previously showed that ketogenic diets with high fat/protein + carbohydrate ratios of 3-4:1 are better able to lower blood glucose and elevate ketone levels than is calorie restriction alone. We evaluated the influence of a new ketogenic diet formula from Solace Nutrition (KetoGen) on the growth and metastatic spread of the VM-M3 tumor. VM-M3 is a highly metastatic macrophage-like tumor that arose spontaneously in the brain of the syngeneic inbred VM/Dk mouse strain. The VM-M3 cells spread rapidly (within days) to lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain with 100% fidelity following subcutaneous implantation. Tumor bearing VM mice were fed either a standard lab chow diet in unrestricted amounts (SD-UR), a standard lab chow restricted to obtain an 18% reduction in body weight (SD-R), or the KetoGen diet restricted (KG-R) to match the body weights of the SD-R control group. Tumor size was significantly smaller and organ metastasis was significantly less in the KG-R group than in the SD-UR or SD-R groups. Although blood glucose was reduced similarly in both the SD-R and KG-R groups, blood ketones were 3-fold higher in the KG-R group than in the SD-R group. These results show that VM-M3 tumor growth and systemic metastasis was managed better with the restricted KetoGen KD than with calorie restriction of a high carbohydrate standard diet. As all human and mouse tumors cells suffer from respiratory insufficiency, our findings suggest that the KetoGen diet should be an effective non-toxic therapy against systemic metastatic cancer. Citation Format: Zeynep Akgoc, Laura M. Shelton, David Ryan, Xijun Zhu, Thomas N. Seyfried. Restricted ketogenic diet reduces growth and distant organ metastasis in the murine VM-M3 metastatic tumor model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4113. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4113

The effect of thermocycling on microleakage analysis of bulk filled base composite in comparison to incrementally placed nanohybrid composite in class II MOD restorations (An in vitro study)

Background: The study aim was to evaluate thermocycling effect on microleakage of occlusal and cervical margins of MOD cavity filled with bulk filled composites in comparison to incrementally placed nanohybrid composite and to evaluate the difference in microleakage between enamel and dentin margins for the three materials groups. Materials and method: Forty eight maxillary first premolars were prepared with MOD cavities. Samples were divided into three groups of sixteen teeth according to material used: Grandio: Grandio. SDR: SDR +Grandio. X-tra: X-tra base + Grandio. Each group was subdivided into two according to be thermocycled or not. After 24 hrs immersion in 2% methylene blue, samples weresectioned and microleakage was estimated. Results: Thermocycling significantly increased microleakage at occlusal margin in Grandio group compared to other groups. SDR composite use before and after thermocycling significantly reduced microleakage at occlusal and cervical enamel margins compared to other groups. Grandio group had non significant difference to X-tra group in microleakage before thermocycling at occlusal and cervical enamel margins while it had a significant increase after thermocycling. No material had significantly reduced dentin margin microleakage before or after thermocycling. Only SDR group before thermocycling, significantly reduced microleakage in enamel margin compared to dentin margin. Conclusion: Thermocycling did not increase microleakage in all the groups except for Grandio group in occlusal margin. SDR group showed reduced microleakage in occlusal and enamel margins in comparison to other groups.None of the materials reduced microleakage in dentin margin.

Paradoxical effect of severe dietary restriction on Long-Evans rat life span

It has been firmly established that the longevity of 20- to 60%-calorie-restricted rodents, with malnutrition (essential nutrients deficiency) being avoided, is increased when compared to ad libitum fed rodents. However, the effects on life span of severe dietary restriction (i. e. malnutrition), with limited weight loss, remained unknown. The purpose of this 4-year study was to investigate the effects on longevity of a severe form of dietary restriction, with limited and controlled weight loss. To this end, a group of male Long-Evans rats severely dietary restricted (SDR group), with a weight loss throughout the experiment<or=25% of their weight before the onset of the experiment at 9 weeks of age, was compared to a control group of rats 30- to 40%-calorie-restricted (C group). Our results show that a severe dietary restriction, excessive weight loss being prevented, paradoxically increased rat longevity by nearly 50%. The life span increase observed in our SDR rats is in accordance with some other studies investigating the effects on longevity of partial essential nutrients deficiencies (tryptophan, methionine, and fat, for example).

Resveratrol Delays Age-Related Deterioration and Mimics Transcriptional Aspects of Dietary Restriction without Extending Life Span

A small molecule that safely mimics the ability of dietary restriction (DR) to delay age-related diseases in laboratory animals is greatly sought after. We and others have shown that resveratrol mimics effects of DR in lower organisms. In mice, we find that resveratrol induces gene expression patterns in multiple tissues that parallel those induced by DR and every-other-day feeding. Moreover, resveratrol-fed elderly mice show a marked reduction in signs of aging, including reduced albuminuria, decreased inflammation, and apoptosis in the vascular endothelium, increased aortic elasticity, greater motor coordination, reduced cataract formation, and preserved bone mineral density. However, mice fed a standard diet did not live longer when treated with resveratrol beginning at 12 months of age. Our findings indicate that resveratrol treatment has a range of beneficial effects in mice but does not increase the longevity of ad libitum-fed animals when started midlife.

Effects of isolation-rearing on the development of social behaviors in male Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus)

Social isolation has been shown to modify behavioral patterns and neuroendocrine function in many species. In this study, we examined the influence of post-weaning social isolation on the behavioral development and fecal testosterone and corticosterone levels of male Mongolian gerbils. In Experiment 1, isolation-reared (IR) males spent more time engaged in social-sniffing. IR males also showed more aggressive and anxiety-related behaviors than group-reared males (GR; three animals per cage). In Experiment 2, a screen-divided-reared condition (SDR) was examined in addition to GR (two males per cage) and IR males. In the SDR group, two subjects were separated by a wire mesh screen allowing for sensory communication and limited physical contact but not direct social interactions. SDR males showed similar patterns in sniffing and anxiety-related behaviors to IR males; however, an increase in aggression was not observed. No differences in fecal testosterone and corticosterone levels were found among males in different rearing conditions. These results suggest that post-weaning social isolation affects behavioral development without affecting testosterone and corticosterone levels. The behavioral changes observed may therefore be regulated by different mechanisms; increases in social-sniffing and anxiety-related behaviors may be caused by the deprivation of direct social interactions, whereas the enhancement of aggressive behaviors may be caused by the lack of sensory stimulation and limited physical contact with other individuals.

Quantifying Active Ankle Range of Motion in Cerebral Palsy Following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

This study was conducted to determine whether an objective and quantitative measure for active ankle range of motion would be sensitive to differences between persons of able body and those with cerebral palsy (CP), and between pre- and postselective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Twelve children with spastic diplegia CP were tested before undergoing an SDR, and again after 8 months of intensive physical therapy (SDR group). Fourteen other children with spastic diplegia were tested initially and again 8 months following no intervention but maintaining their existing level of physical therapy (CP group). Twenty age-matched children of able body were tested once (AB group). A video system recorded active sagittal plane ankle movements as the seated child independently performed maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The data were tracked and analyzed to determine end-range dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, and total active ankle range of motion. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used to test for significant differences among and between groups,p&lt; 0. 05. Results for the SDR group indicated a significant increase in end-range dorsiflexion and total range of motion following the surgery, with no changes in any measures for the CP group. Results for both groups with CP indicated differences vs. the AB group. The measure provided additional information from what has previously been reported for active ankle range of motion. The integration of this measure with other objective measures for quantifying impairments and presurgical function may be useful in predicting post-SDR gait status and other functional activities.

Comparison of Five Antimicrobial Regimens for the Treatment of Brucellar Spondylitis: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection and still an important public health problem in Turkey. The best antimicrobial combination and schedule for the treatment of brucellosis with spondylitis has not yet been clearly determined. In a prospective and randomized study, we compared the efficacy of five antimicrobial regimens for treatment of 102 patients with lumbar brucellar spondylitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive antimicrobial combination therapy. Twenty patients received streptomycin 1 g/day intramuscularly for 15 days and tetracycline-HCl, 500 mg every 6 h orally for 45 days (ST), 21 patients received streptomycin 1 g/day i.m. for 15 days and doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h orally for 45 days (SD), 20 patients received doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h orally for 45 days and rifampicin 15 mg/kg per day in a single morning dose orally for 45 days (DR), 19 patients received ofloxacin, 200 mg every 12 h orally for 45 days and rifampicin 15 mg/kg per day in a single morning dose orally for 45 days (OR), and 22 patients received streptomycin 1 g/day i.m. for 15 days and doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h orally for 45 days plus rifampicin 15 mg/kg per day in a single morning dose orally for 45 days (SDR). Initial therapeutic failure occurred in 2 patients (10%) in the ST regimen group, 4 patients (19%) in the SD group, 3 patients (15%) in the DR group and 5 patients (26%) in the OR regimen. In addition, 2 patients (10%) in the DR group and 5 patients (26%) in the OR regimen relapsed during the follow-up period. There was no relapse in any patients in the ST, SD, and SDR groups. The response rates were 90% in the ST and 81% in the SD groups. In contrast, there was a maximum good response (100%) and no relapse in the SDR group. In conclusion, a combination of doxycycline, streptomycin, and rifampicin can be recommended as therapy for brucellar spondylitis and to reduce relapse rates.